Inside Fort Lauderdale airport's major makeover

More than $1.5 billion worth of work on tap over five years

This is part of multiple modernization projects that will take place over… (Courtesy, Broward County…)

April 18, 2013|By Arlene Satchell, Sun Sentinel

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is in the midst of a major makeover, with more than $1.5 billion worth of work on tap over the next five years, according to airport officials.

This includes the construction of the new $791 million south runway currently under way and on target for completion in September 2014 and the modernization of Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

A six-year, $450 million expansion and redesign of the Terminal 4 has also started and is expected to be finished in 2017.

Much of the work is aimed at updating the 84-year-old airport, which is now handling significant levels of passenger traffic beyond its original design capacity.

In 1985 the airport welcomed 16,000 passengers daily, today it sees 65,000 travelers a day, officials said. In 1959 it had 134,773 travelers, according to historical data on its website.

Today, some of the airport's issues include outdated passenger processing technology and insufficient post-security food and beverage outlets and news and gift kiosks in its terminals.

Terminals 1 and 2, for example, haven't had any new food and beverage offerings since 1985.

As for the runway, airport officials have said the south runway really needed to be operational in 2004 because of increasing flight delays there.

Although there'll be growing pains during the terminal renovations as some concessions will be closed and relocated in the process, the end result is expected to increase the airport's customer experience.

"When finished the final results will be a greatly enhanced experience for the traveling public," airport spokesman Greg Meyer said Thursday.

Broward County Aviation Department officials highlighted some of the airport's construction and improvement projects at an event earlier this month as part of a Fifth Annual Economic Engine Performance Report presentation.

Here's a snapshot of work planned over the next five years to upgrade, enhance and beautify terminal 1, 2, and 3 at a cost of $200 million.

Terminal 1: Enhanced security checkpoint, new terrazzo floor in Concourse B; Concourse A to get five additional gates (work is in the planning stages).

Terminal 2: Expanded concourse, new mezzanine and more concession space.

Terminal 3: New food and beverage outlets including a food court that's nearing opening and is set to have Pei Wei, Steak & Shake Signature and Jamba Juice outlets. The terminal recently added Blue Bar and the Food Network Kitchen to its lineup.

"There will be many more food choices in the area," noted Meyer.

New carpeting and terrazzo flooring is also in the works for the terminal. An area of the terrazzo floor in Concourse E should be completed Monday and another in Concourse F by end of June, Meyer said. Other portions of the terrazzo floor near security checkpoints expected to be done in 2014.

Terminal 4: Will undergo a $450 million expansion, remodel and redesign that include a gate replacement project, expanded international facilities, four new gates and new terrazzo floor design connecting to Terminal 3. The improvements are aimed at boosting international traffic and enhancing travelers' airport experience. There'll also be more restrooms, restaurants and an interactive walkway art project. Two new "grab and go" kiosks recently opened in the terminal: Caffe Sienna and Fresh Selections, offering a selection of sandwiches, salads, fruits dishes and beverages.